Both a blessing and a Curse.
Quick whip around question:- how many times have you, as a pilot, actually had to actively arrange separation between your aircraft and a glider? Odds on bet - “not too many” (if at all) would be the answer. Bankstown was for many years a very busy aerodrome; next door to Camden another busy port, which also hosted a fair squadron of gliders. Yet the number of recorded 'conflicts' is very low. Across the country, the same ratio applies. One could, reasonably, add in parachute operations, essentially the same type of activity, bodies descending from altitude, no radio heading back to the airfield. When such operations are being conducted; as at sea, power gives way to sail (more or less). The National Maritime College have some excellent, common sense material which makes 'right of way' very clear. The 'Brits' have (or had) an excellent course and examination known as 'the Lights Paper' (100% pass required) which taught and tested ' airborne conflict and collision avoidance'. In short, in the air, on the water, even on the roads it must be absolutely clear and easily understood - who has right of way.
Much depends, in primus, on some form of 'sighting' – one must know where the opposition is; easy as on the road; not too difficult at sea – but airborne: that, is often an entirely different matter. But I digress...
Consider two items; one, the reduction in GA flight hours over the last say two decades. Two – the incidence of GA mid-air collisions; outside controlled air. It is a strange ratio. In a very short space of time, we have had two fatal mid-air collisions; six deaths and four aircraft lost, despite the 'ratio'. Very Serious Stuff.
W. B. Popinjay. “In contrast, the Kybong mid-air collision was an operational event, involving an RA-Aus registered kit plane manufactured in the Czech Republic, and a VH- registered–but un powered–glider, which was also not designed or manufactured in Australia. "Neither of these aircraft therefore fall under the ATSB’s standard remit for investigation.” -
Aye well; that may be dismissed out of hand for the Bollocks it is; whatever the motivation to speak such dribble. The bit that 'gets my goat' is that there are some valid, sensible reasons for ATSB not to become involved – unless invited. RA Oz has (or claims to have) qualified investigators; RA Oz is an autonomous, self governing, self administering body; and, have a remit to do their own 'investigation' alongside a 'safety' obligation. The Qld police have an excellent crash investigation crew and record; and, have done much good work over the years. Of the Gliding Federation 'investigation' powers and ability I am uncertain. No matter; had ATSB come out and said that it was happy to assist any of these bodies with the task, but would not become directly involved until asked; I doubt anyone would object. But to trot out the rubbish published – well. Really?
Passing strange it be; oodles spent on routine matters like a bird strikes without a skerrick of 'advice'. I know there is a long list of time and money wasted while providing little in the way of anything worth the costs; or anything that actually improved 'safety'. That business in Tasmania – the investigation elevated to 'systemic' – why? The ATR incident which should have been a very serious investigation and escalated to 'systemic' – poof – nothing to see here:: really? I could go on, it is an extensive list.
ATSB have lost their way; lost their credibility, lost any respect earned along with a bunch of their marbles. Beaker an amiable half wit; Hood an incorrigible spin doctor and our latest 'guru', five minutes into his watch has the whole world shaking its head in disbelief. Believe it or not - don't care. BUT this little man, this rescuer of paddling Kangaroos' with many other follies and foibles will bring great changes to the ATSB. He'll bugger it up so badly and completely that even the government will be forced to act, sort it out and return it to the same level of sanity AMSA have managed to provide for decades.
My brothers and comrades in exile stand firm on this – he, the Popinjay is the final straw - he has to go; now would be good. ..-. -.. … Amen...
Toot – toot.....
Quick whip around question:- how many times have you, as a pilot, actually had to actively arrange separation between your aircraft and a glider? Odds on bet - “not too many” (if at all) would be the answer. Bankstown was for many years a very busy aerodrome; next door to Camden another busy port, which also hosted a fair squadron of gliders. Yet the number of recorded 'conflicts' is very low. Across the country, the same ratio applies. One could, reasonably, add in parachute operations, essentially the same type of activity, bodies descending from altitude, no radio heading back to the airfield. When such operations are being conducted; as at sea, power gives way to sail (more or less). The National Maritime College have some excellent, common sense material which makes 'right of way' very clear. The 'Brits' have (or had) an excellent course and examination known as 'the Lights Paper' (100% pass required) which taught and tested ' airborne conflict and collision avoidance'. In short, in the air, on the water, even on the roads it must be absolutely clear and easily understood - who has right of way.
Much depends, in primus, on some form of 'sighting' – one must know where the opposition is; easy as on the road; not too difficult at sea – but airborne: that, is often an entirely different matter. But I digress...
Consider two items; one, the reduction in GA flight hours over the last say two decades. Two – the incidence of GA mid-air collisions; outside controlled air. It is a strange ratio. In a very short space of time, we have had two fatal mid-air collisions; six deaths and four aircraft lost, despite the 'ratio'. Very Serious Stuff.
W. B. Popinjay. “In contrast, the Kybong mid-air collision was an operational event, involving an RA-Aus registered kit plane manufactured in the Czech Republic, and a VH- registered–but un powered–glider, which was also not designed or manufactured in Australia. "Neither of these aircraft therefore fall under the ATSB’s standard remit for investigation.” -
Aye well; that may be dismissed out of hand for the Bollocks it is; whatever the motivation to speak such dribble. The bit that 'gets my goat' is that there are some valid, sensible reasons for ATSB not to become involved – unless invited. RA Oz has (or claims to have) qualified investigators; RA Oz is an autonomous, self governing, self administering body; and, have a remit to do their own 'investigation' alongside a 'safety' obligation. The Qld police have an excellent crash investigation crew and record; and, have done much good work over the years. Of the Gliding Federation 'investigation' powers and ability I am uncertain. No matter; had ATSB come out and said that it was happy to assist any of these bodies with the task, but would not become directly involved until asked; I doubt anyone would object. But to trot out the rubbish published – well. Really?
Passing strange it be; oodles spent on routine matters like a bird strikes without a skerrick of 'advice'. I know there is a long list of time and money wasted while providing little in the way of anything worth the costs; or anything that actually improved 'safety'. That business in Tasmania – the investigation elevated to 'systemic' – why? The ATR incident which should have been a very serious investigation and escalated to 'systemic' – poof – nothing to see here:: really? I could go on, it is an extensive list.
ATSB have lost their way; lost their credibility, lost any respect earned along with a bunch of their marbles. Beaker an amiable half wit; Hood an incorrigible spin doctor and our latest 'guru', five minutes into his watch has the whole world shaking its head in disbelief. Believe it or not - don't care. BUT this little man, this rescuer of paddling Kangaroos' with many other follies and foibles will bring great changes to the ATSB. He'll bugger it up so badly and completely that even the government will be forced to act, sort it out and return it to the same level of sanity AMSA have managed to provide for decades.
My brothers and comrades in exile stand firm on this – he, the Popinjay is the final straw - he has to go; now would be good. ..-. -.. … Amen...
Toot – toot.....